Beyond Sport Recommends – Holiday Edition '23

December 8, 2023 

As we near the end of 2023, the Beyond Sport team is sharing their favorite sports related books, movies, TV shows and podcasts for you to enjoy this festive period. Whether you’ll be curled up with a hot chocolate indoors, sipping on a drink near the beach or need a break from work, the recommendations will hopefully inspire, in some instances, challenge you and generally, be a joy to indulge in. 

Let My People Go Surfing – Book  

Our Executive Director, Fred Turner, recommends this book by Yvon Chouinard, founder of outdoor clothing brand Patagonia. The fascinating read follows the life and trials of Chouinard who takes his passion for climbing and turns it into a business. It follows his journey of persistence and courage, as well as his commitment to creating a culture of hiring good people and letting them do their jobs.

“I really enjoyed the journey, easily a book that could be read multiple times to get full value. Recommend to anyone interested in running or creating a business, working in social impact or simply with a love of sport and activity.” 

Check it out here.

Air - Film

Our Director of Content & Communications, Karen Asare, recommends the biographical sports drama based on true events of the origins of the iconic "Air Jordan" basketball shoe line and Nike's ascendance. While people have debated whether it was Nike marketing exec Sonny Vaccaro who eventually closed the deal in the pursuit of then rookie, Michael Jordan, the tense, insider's look back will keep you engaged throughout.

"What really stuck out to me was the revelation of how Deloris Jordan, Michael's mom, negotiated a deal that would ultimately change the whole profit-sharing endorsement business to the benefit of future athletes...and, of course, the 80s fashion."

Watch the trailer here.

22 Goals – Podcast 

Adam Burgess, our Director of Programmes, recommends this podcast, especially for football/soccer fans. It takes a look at the history of the World Cup through the lens of 22 of the most iconic goals ever scored (in the men's tournament) in what has been called "the greatest sporting event on earth." The Ringer’s host Brian Phillips takes listeners on a tour of nearly a century of World Cup history — "from triumphs to tragedies and everything in between." Available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. 

“Highly recommend as it uses the best football goals to discuss the fascinating history of the men's World Cup for the past 90 years. It looks at the cultural, social and sporting landscape at the time of the goal to tell the story uniquely and it lets you paint a picture in your head of the incredible moment. More than that, it demonstrates the power of the sport and the tournament in creating a community and culture that is truly global.” 

Listen to it here.

Hustle – Film

Our Events and Operations Executive, Anya Fitzpatrick, recommends this inspiring film which follows the relationship between an American scout and a talented Spanish basketball player as they navigate the challenges of turning him into an NBA star together. It dives deep into the mindset, skills and drive that go into becoming a professional athlete, physically and mentally. The film highlights the pursuit of success and resilience required in the world of sport and is an all-round feel-good watch. 

“I personally enjoyed watching Adam Sandler's solid performance as Stanley and seeing his and Bo's friendship blossom through their passion for basketball. Even if you aren't a huge NBA or Adam Sandler fan, the film depicts a heart-warming story of a young man from a troubled background following his dreams and believing in the impossible. It also features cameos from Queen Latifah and LeBron James as an added bonus!” 

Watch it here.

Untold: Breaking Point – TV series 

This documentary series is recommended by our Director of Development, Carly Heinz. Now back with its third volume, the series pulls back the curtain on some of sports’ most infamous events, including doping scandals and athletes under scrutiny. They especially recommend the Breaking Point episode, which follows the journey of a former US professional tennis player, Mardy Fish, and his struggles with mental health and anxiety. 

“I love it because it makes a big contribution to ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and because it shines a light on the mental stresses elite athletes experience. They aren't immune to these pressures just because they're famous or great at their sport.” 

Watch it here. 

A League Of Their Own – Film  

Claudia Larrea, our Grants and Programs Manager, recommends this popular dramedy, which epitomizes sport's power to unite and women's empowerment. The film begins post-World War II, chronicling the All-American Girls' Professional League. With men's baseball falling because many athletes were going to fight in the war, the women's league had a chance to shine. It follows the journey of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry. It also challenges what was traditionally thought of as a woman's "place" in society. 

“I love this film and have rewatched it dozens of times since it came out in the 90s. Each time I watch it I notice something new and love the recent remake as a TV show as well. Both the movie and the TV show highlight the power of sport by bringing women of different backgrounds together and highlighting women's empowerment and uplifting friendships.” 

Watch it here.

Can’t Hurt Me – Book  

Our Content Manager, Ushma Makwana, recommends this memoir, which follows the journey of David Goggins as he shares the lessons he learned from pushing himself to the limit and beyond. Starting from a "nightmare" childhood, he ultimately transformed to a top athlete. Whether about his training as a US Navy Seal, his medical career or his experiences as an endurance athlete, he provides the blueprint and principles he developed so that readers will be encouraged to push themselves harder.

“The obstacles that David Goggins had to overcome are fascinating – at one point he ran until he literally couldn't go anymore, breaking several bones in his feet. His endurance and drive to continue is inspiring. I’ve taken a lot from the book that has helped me day-to-day. So, if you simply want a good read, or something more tangible you can apply to your everyday life – this book is for you!” 

Check it out here. 

The Deepest Breath – Film

Luke Odam, our Business Development Manager, recommends this documentary which follows a free diver training to break a world record with the help of an expert safety diver. It follows their journey through the rewards and risks of chasing a dream at the depth of the ocean. Highlighting the power of community at an extreme sport level, it also shows the dedication of elite-level athletes and what it takes to break records. 

“I really enjoyed watching The Deepest Breath because it provides a fascinating look into the world of free diving and high-risk/reward sport. I appreciated how the documentary went beyond the physical challenges, delving into the psychological aspects of pursuing such an extreme sport. If anyone is into adventure, exploration and witnessing unwavering human spirit, this documentary is a captivating exploration of the serious highs and heavy lows of chasing big dreams.” 

Watch it here. 

The Swimmers - Film 

Recommended by our Senior Grants and Programmes Manager, Abby West, this drama is based on the true story of Yusra and Sara Mardini – teenaged Syrian sisters who were forced to flee their country in 2015 to escape conflict. The film follows the incredible story of how they helped save 18 lives by lightening the load of their sinking dinghy by swimming alongside it in choppy waters for hours. The dinghy was carrying refugees across the Aegean Sea to Greece when the engine broke.  

“The film is really inspiring but I also think is an important watch to raise awareness of the prejudice and harsh conditions that many refugee communities face when trying to find a safe place to relocate. Yusra actually went on to represent the refugee team at the 2016 Rio Olympics and returned in 2020 – a truly inspirational story!” 

Watch it here.